The Wood effect is the bright, snowy look that foliage takes on in infrared photography, because leaves reflect a lot of near-infrared light. To create it, shoot green leaves in strong sunlight with an infrared-capable camera or filter, then process the image to emphasise the highlights.
Why Leaves Turn White
Healthy leaves reflect much more near-infrared light than visible light. A camera that records infrared therefore sees grass and leaves as very bright, while skies and water stay dark. The effect is named after Robert W. Wood, an early infrared photographer, and is sometimes called the Wood effect.
What You Need
- A converted camera with an infrared-pass filter behind the lens, or an ordinary camera with a screw-on infrared filter.
- A tripod, since filters that block visible light need long exposures.
- Raw capture, so you can set white balance and adjust channels later.
- Bright, direct sunlight, ideally with the sun high in the sky.
Filters come in different cut-off wavelengths. Lower values keep a little colour, and higher values produce a more black and white result. Check the maker’s description for the exact range.
Shooting Steps
- Choose a sunny day with deciduous trees, grass and a blue sky with a few clouds.
- Mount the camera on a tripod and attach the filter if you are not using a converted body.
- Set a custom white balance on green grass or leaves, if the camera allows it.
- Use an aperture around f/8 as a baseline for depth of field, and a low ISO.
- Focus carefully. Infrared light focuses at a slightly different point than visible light, so check the lens manual for infrared marks or use live view.
- Bracket exposures and check the histogram, because brightness can vary between scenes.
Processing for the Wood Effect
Raw infrared files often look red or magenta. The usual workflow is to fix white balance, swap colour channels, and then convert to black and white or a false colour image.
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Set white balance on foliage | Neutralise the strong red cast |
| Swap red and blue channels | Create blue skies and golden leaves, or prepare a clean mono base |
| Convert to black and white | Make foliage glow white |
| Raise highlights and contrast | Strengthen the glowing look |
Keep an eye on clipped highlights. Leaves that are pure white lose all texture, so pull the highlights back if details disappear.
FAQ
Can I do this with an unmodified camera?
Yes, but sensors usually include a filter that blocks most infrared light, so exposures can be very long. A converted camera is much more practical for handheld shooting.
Which season works best?
Late spring and summer, when leaves are full and healthy. Autumn leaves and dry grass reflect less infrared and give a weaker effect.
The Short Version
Shoot healthy foliage in bright sun with an infrared-capable setup, focus carefully, and capture raw. Fix white balance, convert to black and white, and protect the highlights so the glowing leaves keep some texture.
